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Thursday, August 20, 2015

A Homemade Life: Cider Glazed Chicken

You guys, it's been a whole year since we were introduced to Baby B. Can you believe it? My kid brother managed to survive a whole year with a baby. And Baby B managed to survive a whole year with my kid brother!

Last month we headed to their new house to celebrate the momentous occasion.

One thing I can say about my family, we certainly know how to throw a party! There were a ton of people there, and a ton of good food. And of course, super cute decorations, featuring bright pinks, yellows, and highlighted with lemons.

Thatkid ended up with almost as many presents as the birthday girl himself. Including a bubble blower, which he used to entertain his cousin. She loves bubbles. And based on my limited experience, she's not alone. I have yet to meet a kid who didn't love bubbles.

Unlike most kids, Baby B was not at all impressed with her first taste of cake. I have a feeling it had more to do with the fact that every guest was crowded around her, watching her and singing. Because who doesn't love cake?

I have to brag for a moment - our gift was a HUGE hit. I've already mentioned that I think Rockabye Rockers make great gifts for one year olds. Baby B agreed. She saw it sitting with her presents, crawled over and grabbed it, dragging it around the room with her. She didn't figure out the rocking part, but was delighted with a giant stuffed animal she could use as a walker.

Surrounded by friends and family, we took the opportunity to pawn off our kids on others for most of the party, but we still managed to get a family shot before heading home.

My biggest recommendation for new parents is one I gave to Thatbrother and UDubb - be flexible! Babies mean you need to be adaptable. Because they are constantly throwing you for a loop. Like refusing to eat their cake. Adaptability is a virtue that extends to more than just child-rearing though. I use it when I see a great fish recipe. Because I do not do fish. But many recipes can be adapted to use chicken instead. Which is what I did when I saw Wizenburg's Cider Glazed Chicken. It's not a genius adaptation. The first pan-cooked chicken I made was a Cooking Light apple cider chicken. It was part of my standard repertoire. This isn't too far removed, except it was missing the bacon and the cider was reduced to a glaze. Apples and chicken work really well together, and this glaze is a really sweet addition.

Cider Glazed Chicken (Adapted from A Homemade Life)

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 shallot, peeled and halved lengthwise

2 cups fresh unfiltered apple cider

4 chicken breast fillets

salt

1/2 cup heavy cream

Combine butter, shallots, and cider in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the shallot.

Place the chicken in the pan. Spoon a bit of liquid over them and cook for 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.

Raise the heat ot medium high and add a punch of salt to the pan. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by two-thirds.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the cream. Boil, stirring frequently, until the mixture darkens to a pale golden caramel and is reduced by one third to one half.

Place the chicken on 4 plates and top each with a spoonful of sauce. Serve immediately.